not meaning to be nasty here so dont take it that way -----Have heard that latter statement A LOT!! always from some one who has been good enough at the game to make the elite grade and almost always accompanied by a short accounting of achievements (as herein stated above) - if you were an average punter who tries really hard every time he goes out and never quite makes the podium - I do not believe you would show the same disdain for the acknowledgement of success on those rare occasions you achieved it - I get what you are trying to say and I agree with the logic behind it - just when it comes down from on high it kinda misses the mark ----""been there done that and it didnt really matter - well why do it in the first place then?"..................you should be damn proud of your world title ane a few of the other things where you really nailed it
My Dear Greyhawk -
actually I do understand it.
I AM that punter.I practiced long and hard!
When shooting 1911's competetively I practiced daily and reloaded everynight. after well over 18 months , with coaching, I was forced to come to grips with the reality that I would never make the top 10% locally, let alone regionally. Once I came to deal with that, I found I practiced less but enjoyed it more! Oddly, with the insane pressure off, I found my scores improved...
I also shot A LOT of trap, but was never competitive there either. However that was far more fun and had more friendly comaraderie ( much like CAS) and FUN SHOOTS ( like CAS) .
The big difference was the clubs.
The Bullseye, Bowling Pin, PPC, and IPSC crowds were deadly serious and cut-throat .
On the Other Hand, The old Trap Club and the local CAS ( oh, and the local archery club!!) are more laid back,
more supportive of each other, and far friendlier. It's all about the friendships.
And that is where I get my jollies and my accolades.
Just having the locals say,
"Damn Prof, you were even funnier this time than last! But you're shooting safely and hitting the tragets!
"How long was your time this time anyway?"
That is plenty for me.
If one has a NEED to compete - then compete against
yourself !
Work to better
your accuracy,
your times,
your smoothness and transitions.
When practicing use a timer, and knockdowns, and keep moving them further back....
And remember, since this is NCOWS - one can compete by improving your personna, costume, accoutrements, background,
support doco ....
This is going to sound all Zen and philosophical and etc, but :
= Its a GAME.
There are always winners and losers. learn to lose gracefully it happens more often.
In some games some folks will never be a winner. ( like me and poker.) - learn to accept it.
= Understand your limitations, and accept them.
Remember, you will never sing better than the nightingale.
But that doesn't mean stop trying to improve
= "Dance like no one is watching"
Play the game out of joy.
If you are not enjoying it you're doing it wrong. Or need to pick another game.
= Pick the right wolf to feed!
An Old Ojibaway Elder once told me -
Inside all of us are several wolves that fight amongst themselves:
Fear, Anger, Greed, Envy, Hate; but also
Selflessness, Generosity, Compassion, Forgiveness,and Love
The wolves you feed within you will grow strong and win .
Pick the right Wolves.
hope this helps
prof marvel
PS: - most of this is called Good Sportsmanship, and
I learned it in Gradeschool playing softball, basketball, tag football, all games I did only average at.
Have we forgotten Good Sportsmanship in the extreme competetiveness to win at any cost?